Ryasna

Kolts haning on ryasnas found in Nizovka, Chernihiv Oblast. 12th century

Ryasna (Russian: рясна) was a part of a woman’s headgear, hanging from a diadem or as a temporal pendant.[1]

It was a sign of family's prosperity common in 11th-13th centuries in Kievan Rus’, made in the shape of a chain linking golden, silver or copper pieces, medallions, used as a suspension for a kolt or a similar pendant.

Ryasna pearls attached to a kokoshnik

Design

Ancient Rus' ryasnas were designed to hang down form each side of the kokoshnik, reaching the woman's shoulders with the kolt reaching her chest. The design was in the form of a rain chain and the imagery portrayed always had the same theme: sky and fertile agriculture.[2]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Merriman, Philippa (2009). Silver. UK: The British Museum. p. 47. ISBN 978-0-674-03094-7.
  2. ↑ Ancient Rus'

External links